How to Stop Illegal Immigration

Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico (D), discusses ideas on how to stop illegal immigration to America. He talks about how he wants to work together with Mexico.

Well, it is fervor that it is stilled by negative elements, by talk show host—by radio talk show host but it is also the legitimate concern of many Americans that their jobs are being taken away by illegal immigrants. And in some cases in construction they happen. So, what we need to do is we need to fix the immigration problem. The congress and the president had failed to do so. They leave it to the next election. That is totally irresponsible. What would be your priority? I would take four strong steps. One, I would secure the border with more border patrol agents. More technology so that we do not have nuclear materials crossing, I would keep the National Guard there longer. But I would not have a wall. Walls, divide people. Plus this walls is not going to work because first of all, the Congress only funded half of it. And when you have a 12-foot wall, you know, what is going to happened, 13 foot ladders. I would also have an enforcement of the law. Those that knowingly hire illegal workers should be fined, and have a more realistic relationship with Mexico which is 70% of the immigration. I would say to Mexico, how can we worked together to create jobs in your country, so they do not come to the US, or do more to help poverty in your country, the very least stop handing out maps and the easiest place to cross the US. And then finally, I create a legalization program for the 12 million, not amnesty. Not citizenship but a procedure where, they can stay, and eventually get a green card and possibly a citizenship if they follow conditions like speak in English and paying back taxes, and passing the background check, and a fine for coming here illegally, and embracing American values. Like if we bring all those together, you got to still that to have messy solution. I do not promise that I will resolve the issue. But I will certainly will face it, and try to make it better. The immigration issue, I have found over the years, does not get you any votes. So, the best thing to do is do the right thing. www.bigthink.com